Best of Kenya & Tanzania Wildlife Safari
Savvy travelers and novices alike include Kenya & Tanzania on their list of dream destinations, and for very good reason. Both countries are blessed with an abundance of spectacular wildlife and lavishly gorgeous, incredibly photogenic landscapes. Everywhere you go, from the teeming cities to the plains of the Masai Mara, the people are friendly and welcoming. Tourist infrastructure is amazing, often offering white glove service where the basics of running water and electricity appear impossible to find. Game reserves are magnificent, filled with all manner of wildlife, beautiful lakes and beaches, and sweeping vistas that seem to go on forever.

With more than 50 parks to choose from in Kenya alone, and almost 25% of Tanzania protected as nature reserves, it's hard to decide where to go. But everyone agrees on the top three must-visit parks in Kenya, Masai Mara, Samburu and Amboseli, and the number 1 top must-visit site in Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater. Our all-new “Best of Kenya & Tanzania” safari includes them all plus a lot more! And like all our tours, you'll enjoy the best of Kenya and Tanzania at prices that are as amazing as the countries themselves.

14 DAYS KENYA TANZANIA COMBINED WILDLIFE SAFARI:
Day 1: Arrival - Nairobi, Kenya.
Today, arrive in Nairobi, Kenya's capital city and the starting point for your safari adventure. Meet your guide and take a city orientation tour en route to your deluxe, centrally located Nairobi hotel, Nairobi Safari Club or The Fairview Hotel, Nairobi

Day 2: Samburu Game Reserve.
Depart after breakfast and drive north via Nanyuki, the Equator and Mt. Kenya to the remote Samburu. This is the homeland of the nomadic Samburu people, whose culture attaches great value to tending their livestock of cattle, sheep, goats and camels as their main economic activity.

Samburu is rich in species not seen in southern Kenya's more famous parks, such as Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, kudu and gerenuk. You'll also have a good chance at spotting lions, cheetahs and the elusive leopard. The semiarid landscape is dramatic, with the rugged outcrop known as Mt. Ololokwe a prominent feature.

The Ewaso Ngiro River, which forms the southern boundary of the reserve, attracts many birds and is a popular watering hole for elephants. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch and some relaxation, then take an evening drive for more game viewing. Samburu Serena Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 3: Samburu Game Reserve.
Enjoy another day of game viewing drives in the Samburu Game Reserve during two safari drives, one in the morning and another in the early evening, in a safari vehicle with roof hatch access for perfect game viewing and photography. Guided by your expert driver, enjoy searching for animals native to this fascinating and beautiful area, Samburu Serena Lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Aberdares National Park.
After breakfast, enjoy the scenic drive to the Aberdare region, also known as Nyandarua, whose diverse topography includes waterfalls, rain forests, rivers and, at the highest elevations, open moors. After lunch at the Aberdare Country Club or Outspan Hotel, take time to relax and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. Here you will be able to experience game viewing from the lodge balconies which overlook a game watering hole, Treetops Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 5: Lake Nakuru National Park.

Early this morning, you'll drive to down the floor of the Great Rift Valley escarpment to Lake Nakuru National Park for lunch and game viewing drive to view some of the two million flamingos at close range as well as other animals that inhabit the park.

This park is a rhino sanctuary, offering the rare opportunity to see these endangered animals. It's also home to rare Rothschild's giraffes as well as buffalo, leopards and lions, which are known to climb trees. Overnight at the choice of Sarova Lion Hill Lodge or Lake Nakuru Lodge, (B,L,D)

Day 6: Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.
After breakfast, board your safari van for the Masai Mara National Reserve, which borders Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. Every year, between June and September, millions of wildebeests and zebras migrate into the Mara in search of water. The timing of this phenomenon varies, depending on the rains, but they usually start heading back to the Serengeti in October.

Whether you see the migration or not, the Mara almost guarantees you'll enjoy a magnificent time in Kenya. Here among the grassy plains and lush landscape, you'll find a huge variety of game, the largest in Kenya, including lions, cheetahs, buffalo and abundant bird life such as ostriches, cranes and storks. Enjoy lunch at your lodge then relax until later this afternoon when you'll take your first game drive through this haven of wildlife.

This afternoon you'll have an optional opportunity to visit to a Masai Village for an in-depth look at this colorful and pastoral people in their natural setting ($25), Mara Sopa Lodge or Mara Simba Lodge or Keekorok Lodge or similar option (B,L,D)

Day 7: Masai Mara National Reserve.
Today you will take two safari drives, one in the morning and another in the early evening, in a safari vehicle with roof hatch access for perfect game viewing and photography. You will have the option of replacing one safari drive with an optional balloon safari ($425) which provides a thrilling opportunity to soar high over the plain for animal viewing from above.

Whether you go by air or land, you will enjoy searching for animals native to this fascinating and beautiful area guided by your expert driver, who will amaze you with his ability to spot game hidden in the bush, Mara Sopa Lodge or Mara Simba Lodge or Keekorok Lodge or similar option. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Lake Naivasha, Great Rift Valley, Kenya
Take an early morning game drive. Drive via the Rift Valley escarpment with breathtaking views of the world's greatest land rift to papyrus fringed Lake Naivasha. Take a scenic sunset boat ride to see the hippos. Dinner & overnight accommodation at Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge or Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge, B,L,D.

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake in Kenya, lying north west of Nairobi, outside the town of Naivasha. It is part of the Great Rift Valley.

The name derives from the local Maasai name Nai'posha, meaning "rough water" because of the sudden storms which can arise. The lake has a surface area of 139 km², and is surrounded by a swamp which covers an area of 64 square km, but this can vary largely depending on rainfall. It is situated at an altitude of 1,884 metres (6,180 ft).[1] The lake has an average depth of 6 m (20 ft), with the deepest area being at Crescent Island, at a maximum depth of 30 m (100 ft). Njorowa Gorge used to form the lake's outlet, but it is now high above the lake and forms the entrance to Hell's Gate National Park.

The lake is home to a variety of wildlife; over 400 different species of bird have been reported. There is a sizeable population of hippos in the lake. There are two smaller lakes in the vicinity of Lake Naivasaha: Lake Oloiden and Lake Sonachi (a green crater lake). The Crater Lake Game Sanctuary lies nearby, while the lake shore is known for its population of European immigrants and settlers. Between 1937 and 1950 the lake was used as a landing place for flying boats on the Imperial Airways passenger and mail route from Southampton in Britain to South Africa. It linked Kisumu and Nairobi.

Joy Adamson, the author of Born Free, lived on the shores of the lake in the mid-1960s. Also on the shores of the lake is the Djinn Palace, which gained notoriety in the Happy Valley days between the two world wars. It now forms part of the Oserian flower farm.

Day 9: Amboseli National Park.
After breakfast, you will drive via Nairobi to Amboseli, which lies in the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The combination of salt flat and marshland provides one of the most dramatic settings in Kenya, and the mountain makes an amazing background for photographing animals. Enjoy lunch en route at Pampa Restaurant, then continue to Amboseli, with opportunities for animal viewing en route to your lodge. Amboseli Serena Lodge or Ol Tukai Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 10: Amboseli National Park.
Waking up for an early morning game viewing drive you return to your lodge for breakfast. From your lodge you enjoy unrivalled views of Mt Kilimanjaro and Meru which can be clearly seen in the morning, particularly before 10 am. The rest of the morning is spent at leisure perhaps enjoying the panoramic views of the park, particularly atop Observation Hill, where you'll also find young Masai ready to have their pictures taken (for a fee).

In the evening you undertake another game viewing drive to appreciate the abundance of wildlife that thrives here. Amboseli is known for its elephant herds, amazing to watch as they and buffalo stand in the marshes to keep cool, drink water and munch on vegetation. Other animals, such as zebras and wildebeests and even lions are also found here. This park, like others you visit, is a bird-watcher's paradise, Amboseli Serena Lodge or Ol Tukai Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 11: Arusha & Tarangire National Park, Tanzania.
After breakfast, board your touring coach and drive to the Kenya/Tanzania border at Namanga. Continue to Arusha and enjoy lunch at the Arusha Hotel. After lunch drive to Tarangire National Park, home to thousands of elephants, and, in the dry season, game which congregates along the river after having migrated from the Masai Mara.

Tarangire is an ornithologist's paradise, rich in an incredible diversity of birds. In addition, large herds of antelope, zebras, gazelles, buffalo, wildebeest, leopards, elephants, rhinos and lots of smaller mammals make the park their home. Arrive at your lodge later in the afternoon, with game viewing en route. Tarangire Sopa Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 12: Lake Manyara National Park.
After breakfast drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Located at the base of the Great Rift Valley, the park is covered with forest, woodland, grasslands, and swamps. After lunch, take a game drive in search of tree climbing lions and the flamingos that congregate in the thousands on the lake. Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 13: Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area.
After breakfast drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area arriving at in time for lunch at the lodge. This extinct volcano, whose completely intact rim rises 1800 ft above the floor, offers among the very finest game viewing in Africa. It is considered one of the world's greatest natural wonders, and its abundant game, including rare species such as black rhinos and cheetahs and magnificent scenery will thrill even the most experienced safari traveler.

After lunch, descend into the crater, whose floor, with the passage of time, has become grassland with a lake in the middle that is a sanctuary and source of water for the abundance of wildlife found. Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 14: Tanzania, Kenya, Departure.
After breakfast, say a reluctant goodbye to Africa as you drive back to Arusha for lunch and your flight back to Nairobi. Check in for your continuing overnight flight home after your great adventure in Africa, B,L.
 

Safari price includes:
-Airport transfers
-14 days of private safari
-Transport and wildlife drives using safari van in Kenya and 4WD Land Cruiser in Tanzania with photographic roof hatch and guaranteed window seats
-Services of a professional, English safari guide
-All wildlife reserve entry fees
-All game drives mentioned
-Walking safari at Ngorongoro
-Bed and breakfast accommodation at Nairobi Safari Club
-Full board accommodation on safari in safari lodges listed

-Local flight from Arusha to Nairobi Airport one way
-All meals during the safari
-Bottled water during game drives

Not included in the safari price:
-All items of a personal nature
-Optional excursions

-Gratuities for guides and porters
-Travel insurance
-Visa fees – US$ 50 per person per country
-Drinks and beverages in lodges and hotels

 

Best of Kenya & Tanzania Wildlife Safari
Savvy travelers and novices alike include Kenya & Tanzania on their list of dream destinations, and for very good reason. Both countries are blessed with an abundance of spectacular wildlife and lavishly gorgeous, incredibly photogenic landscapes. Everywhere you go, from the teeming cities to the plains of the Masai Mara, the people are friendly and welcoming. Tourist infrastructure is amazing, often offering white glove service where the basics of running water and electricity appear impossible to find. Game reserves are magnificent, filled with all manner of wildlife, beautiful lakes and beaches, and sweeping vistas that seem to go on forever.

With more than 50 parks to choose from in Kenya alone, and almost 25% of Tanzania protected as nature reserves, it's hard to decide where to go. But everyone agrees on the top three must-visit parks in Kenya, Masai Mara, Samburu and Amboseli, and the number 1 top must-visit site in Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater. Our all-new “Best of Kenya & Tanzania” safari includes them all plus a lot more! And like all Friendly Planet tours, you'll enjoy the best of Kenya and Tanzania at prices that are as amazing as the countries themselves.

Masai Mara, Kenya Safari, Wildlife Safaris, Africa Safaris:
The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the best known and most popular reserves in the whole of Africa. Kenya’s finest reserve, the Masai Mara pulses with raw energy as an array of animals go about their daily lives. At times and in certain places it can get a little overrun with tourist minibuses, but there is something so special about it that it tempts you back time and again.

The Masai Mara Wildlife Reserve was established in 1961 and was originally known as the Mara Game Reserve. The inside area is developed along the guidelines of a national park, where no human settlement is allowed. The outer area is undisturbed except for the grazing cattle of the local Masai. The park is reputed as the only region left in Kenya where visitors may see animals in the same great numbers as existed a century ago.

Masai Mara is the best destination in Kenya for viewing wildlife - and lots of it! The Masai Mara is home to a great wildlife spectacle, as sometime between August and November more than two million wildebeest migrate from the Serengeti in search of water and grazing.

From forest and rivers to hills and escarpments to plains, bush and scrub this diverse landscape is home to an enormous number of different species. Giant herds of Elephants wander slowly but purposefully across the vast grasslands, Gazelle’s, Elands and Topi skip playfully through beautiful scenery and if you are lucky you will see one of their major predators, Lions, Cheetahs and Leopards cunningly lying in wait for their prey and giving chase.

For many people, timing their Masai Mara Safari to coincide with the migration seems vital - but with a very abundant and healthy resident population of animals, a holiday to the Masai Mara is great at any time of the year.

Seasoned safari travellers, travel writers, documentary makers and researchers often admit that the Masai Mara is one of their favourite places. So why is that? Perhaps it is because of the ‘big skies’, the open savannahs, the romance of films like ‘Out of Africa’ and certainly because of the annual wildebeest migration, the density of game, the variety of birdlife and the chance of a hot air balloon ride. Also because of the tall red-robed Masai people whose lifestyle is completely at odds with western practices, and from whom one learns to question certain western values.

The largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet and one of the most breathtaking events in the animal kingdom, The Great Migration involves millions of ungulates, most notably wildebeest, as they follow an annual circular route around the Serengeti Ecosystem in an endless quest for fresh pastures and water. The rumbling hooves of wildebeest and the clouds of red dust they leave behind have become a symbol of the Serengeti, as well as a strong migratory instinct that defies crocodile-infested rivers, wild currents, and flocks of predators lying in wait.

The Mara is a permanent water source for the area’s wild inhabitants and so even when the very last wildebeest has tardily set off for the southern Serengeti, massive resident herds remain, offering visitors everything they could want to see on an African safari. A Masai Mara safari provides a year-round safari experience.

When is the best time to visit?
During the dry seasons; it’s cooler from the end of May to early October, and warmer from late November to early March. The dry season from July to March is the best time to see wildlife, and the March of the Wildebeests occurs from June – August.

How to get to the Masai Mara?
The Masai Mara lies about 270 km from Nairobi and takes about 5 hours by road. There are scheduled flights, twice daily from Wilson Airport Nairobi, which take about 40 - 45 minutes.

Rongai Route This remote and less frequently used route is the second easiest route to Kilimanjaro. The approach to the mountain is from the less-forested north side and the descent is by the Marangu Route. There are several variations, the one described below is a longer route taking in Mawenzi Tarn. More details....

Umbwe Route The Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach. It is probably the most scenic, non-technical route on Kilimanjaro. It is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher altitude, but the rewards are plentiful. More details....